As the cold continues to bite, Bay Tour’s antidote to the trials of winter will take us where we’ve never taken a group before. Sometimes referred to as ‘The Treasured Islands’, our destination is the beating heart of Polynesia – Samoa.
Serene but spirited, wild yet well-manicured, hushed but born of volcanic eruption, stunning Samoa is a paradoxical paradise. Comprising two main islands surrounded by numerous smaller islands, Samoa sits like a treasured jewel of unparalleled natural riches with iridescent seas, jade jungles and crystal waterfalls. This humble place, devoid of mega-resorts and flashy attractions, awaits us with a welcome as warm as the island sun.
Our 7 Night stay will comprise a wonderful mixture of discovery and decompression. Be awed at the natural beauty and surprising history of this place. And yet enjoy the unhurried, unpressured atmosphere of a genuine South Pacific wonderland, with plenty of time to simply kick back and relax.
Day 1: We have a leisurely afternoon start to the tour as we take an afternoon flight to Auckland for our overnight stay at Novotel Auckland Airport Hotel. Ready for our early morning airport check-in – literally just across the road – tomorrow.
Day 2: Our morning flight to Samoa’s capital, Apia, sees us arrive in the early afternoon of the same day. Then we settle into our Oceanview Rooms at our home-away-fromhome, the stunning Taumeasina Island Resort, joined to the main island of Upolu by a causeway and only a 10minute drive from the capital, Apia.
Day 3: This morning we meet Tai, our main guide around this island of Upolu during our stay. Tai is a Samoan High Chief and will help us orientate ourselves to Apia with a guided tour of the town’s landmarks, markets and traditional Cultural Village centre. We’ll also visit Villa Vailima, the home of renowned Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson.
Day 4: The day is FREE TIME for you to settle in and explore the resort. Enjoy swimming in the tropical waters of the reef-protected lagoon and utilize the complimentary snorkeling gear, kayaks and catamarans. Relax on the balcony of your room or by one of the resorts’ two pools with a cool something to sip on. You’ll never go hungry with all-day restaurant or poolside dining available. Tonight, we join Tai and head into the farming countryside for a barbeque dinner hosted by a local farmer and his family.
Day 5: Today we go exploring the natural wonders on the eastern side of the main Upolu Island we’re on. Samoa is famous throughout the Pacific for its spectacular waterfalls and we’ll cross over the Le Mafa mountain pass to visit one of the finest, Sopoaga. Over roads bordered by tropical jungle, we’ll drive to a natural wonder that’s one of the most iconic images of Samoa, the truly awesome To Sua Ocean Trench. We’ll have lunch at magnificent Lalomanu Beach – regularly listed by Lonely Planet Travel Guides amongst the Top 100 Beaches In The World. Tonight we dine in Apia at the elegant colonial Lava Hotel.
Day 6: No time spent in Samoa is complete without a visit to one of the smaller outer islands. Today we’ll visit beautiful Manono Island where our island hosts will show us around this very traditional Samoan community. In years gone by, this was where the highest chiefs lived. Manono is completely surrounded by coral reef and the colours of the crystal-clear waters are stunning. There are no vehicles, no noise and no dogs. We’ll enjoy a traditional Umu lunch with the residents before making our way back to Upolu in the afternoon.
Day 7: This morning we’re hosted at a plantation where various tropical fruits are commercially grown. Our hosts will explain and demonstrate some of the many uses the humble coconut is put to in Samoa and we’ll taste some of the fruit and preserves they produce. This afternoon you are free to relax back at the resort before we attend a traditional Fiafia evening filled with traditional dance and song and feasting.
Day 8: As today is Sunday there will be the option to visit the magnificent Catholic Cathedral in Apia for an English language church service. The splendid sight of the locals in their best Sunday whites will live long in the memory. Alternatively, the morning is yours to relax before we all come together for a traditional To’onai Lunch in the early afternoon.
Day 9: This morning we have a leisurely start to our day before we must say farewell to our hosts and the beautiful people of Samoa as we head to the airport for our flight back to Auckland later in the afternoon. We overnight back in Auckland tonight.
Day 10: A late checkout at our hotel allows a sleep in before we head to Auckland Domestic Terminal for our flight home to Hawke’s Bay around the middle of the day. With plenty of interaction with locals and expert guidance throughout, coupled with stunning tropical warmth & beaches, this tour promises to enrich the mind, body and soul. This hugely impressive, yet unpolished place awaits us, along with its dignified, humble people whose grace and passion show in everything they do. Samoa is serene, spectacular and very, very special.
For more information and a detailed itinerary contact Kaye or Kerren here at Bay Tours on 06 845 2736 ext 1 or email Support@baytours.co.nz
